The conflict in Iran is causing a major inflation surge throughout the US economy as energy costs stay high, with oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel and gasoline prices soaring 47 percent above pre-conflict levels. Economists caution that the May inflation data will illustrate the extent to which rising energy prices have affected the costs of food, goods, and services. Newly appointed Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh is faced with the challenging choice of lowering interest rates to alleviate economic hardship or maintaining them at elevated levels to address energy-related inflation, while the average American family is already spending roughly $300 more each month on fuel.
